Her companion and fellow travel agent, Tammee Lynn, 42, also was slashed on her arm by the attackers. She received 14 stitches.

The Phuket News is reporting the trial of Surasak Wannachot, who allegedly wielded the knife, and Surin Tapthong, who allegedly drove the motorbike, had been set for August 6.

The court had been instructed to hear the case as soon as possible because of "its international ramifications", the news outlet says.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was unable to confirm the trial date.

The accused men were arrested within a week of the incident and have been charged with co-operating to kill a person for personal benefit, taking property with a weapon, causing death and injury, and carrying a weapon in a public place.

The women were walking near their hotel complex in Kata Noi Bay, on Phuket's west coast, about 10.30pm when they were attacked.

They were part of a group of 10 Perth travel agents who arrived in the resort town.